Homemade Irish Cream

Yesterday I shared how I made homemade chocolate syrup. I actually made that specifically to use in today’s recipe – homemade Irish cream! This is a ridiculously easy recipe that makes me question buying Bailey’s ever again. It tastes better, you can make as much as you need, and adjust how much whiskey (or any other ingredient) is in it. Want a really strong drink? Add more whiskey. Want something a bit sweeter? Add more chocolate syrup and less whiskey.

Use it to make a superb Irish coffee, white Russian, or enjoy it on the rocks. And, as with my last homemade liquor, I found a way to incorporate it into baking. Look out tomorrow for some cupcakes that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! (Update: check them out out – Irish Coffee Cupcakes!)

Recipe:

Homemade Irish Cream

1 cup heavy cream
14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
1 1/3 cup Irish whiskey (I used Jameson)
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend for 1 minute. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month.

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53 Comments on Homemade Irish Cream

Wheels
March 9, 2011 at 11:53 am (14 years ago)

I swear, almost everything you post makes me want to move home and move in with you so I can eat all your yummy food!
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Stephanie
March 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm (14 years ago)

Wheels – This actually made me lol. Yay! So glad you’re enjoying my blog. I’ll try to save you some Irish cream 🙂
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- Janet Mcgilvray
  July 22, 2015 at 9:24 pm (9 years ago)
  
  In your Copycat Irish cream recipe what do the C and T ‘s stand for ????? Cartons or cups….Teaspoons or tablespoons can you be more specific in your recipe s please?
- Stephanie Saunders
  July 23, 2015 at 9:27 am (9 years ago)
  
  The post has been updated with clearer instructions. Enjoy!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
March 9, 2011 at 3:04 pm (14 years ago)

My mother enjoys a White Russian once in a while, and I know she would flip for this! Wonderful recipe. I should make this for her sometime! Thanks for sharing.
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Becky
March 9, 2011 at 5:47 pm (14 years ago)

I love Bailey’s and coffee. I have to make this, so much more economical.
Even my dog is named Bailey, because she is the color of Bailey’s Irish cream
Becky recently posted Spicy Coconut Soup with Broccoli and Shrimp
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Becky
March 9, 2011 at 5:49 pm (14 years ago)

I love Bailey\\\’s and coffee. I have to make this, so much more economical.
Even my dog is named Bailey, because she is the color of Bailey\\\’s Irish cream
Becky recently posted Spicy Coconut Soup with Broccoli and Shrimp
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Cooking Rookie
March 9, 2011 at 5:56 pm (14 years ago)

Ok, I’m saving this to my favorites, it should be so good. And I’ll send it to Stumble Upon too, to share the joy. LOVE your revipes :-).
Cooking Rookie recently posted Coleslaw- Sweet Coleslaw
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penny aka jeroxie
March 9, 2011 at 5:59 pm (14 years ago)

Is that it?? I am making my own! How long can it store for?
penny aka jeroxie recently posted SBS Food Journey 2011
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Stephanie
March 9, 2011 at 6:17 pm (14 years ago)

Georgia – I hope your mom enjoys it!

Becky – love the name. My rabbit is named after a food too – Cinnamon, my favorite spice and the color of her fur when we got her (she’s a bit darker now).

Cooking Rookie – thank you for adding this to Stumble Upon! I really appreciate that 🙂

Penny – great question. Based in my research, it looks like this will last up to one month if stored tightly covered in the fridge.
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Mika
March 9, 2011 at 11:08 pm (14 years ago)

Oh, I love irish cream! This is a wonderful recipe and I’m sure it is so much better than the original…
Mika recently posted Käsespätzle
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Cakewhiz
March 10, 2011 at 1:45 am (14 years ago)

This looks so easy to prepqre and is perfect for st.patty’s day!

Btw, i am going to be making your spinach lasagna tomorrow….so excited 😀
Cakewhiz recently posted Marshmallow kabobs
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Medeja
March 10, 2011 at 2:17 am (14 years ago)

I love Irish cream.. Great idea to make it at home 🙂
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Peggy
March 10, 2011 at 2:47 am (14 years ago)

I love what you’ve done with the chocolate syrup! You’ve reminded me that I haven’t had a White Russian in forever and that I need to make this irish cream pronto!
Peggy recently posted Meyer Lemon Poundcake Cupcakes
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Liz
March 10, 2011 at 4:22 am (14 years ago)

I’ve toyed with making this as Christmas gifts….I’m going to do it now! Excellent post!!!
Liz recently posted Orange Pull-Apart Coffee Cake
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Celia
March 10, 2011 at 5:16 am (14 years ago)

Such genius! I often use Irish Cream in cocktails…but this look so delicious it could stand on its own. Thanks for sharing!
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Stephanie
March 10, 2011 at 7:23 am (14 years ago)

Cakewhiz – Hope you enjoy the lasagna! Let me know how it turns out.

Liz- This would be a great Christmas or hostess present! Easy to make but I think people would be impressed.
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Jess @ littlegirlbigappetite
March 10, 2011 at 2:18 pm (14 years ago)

You have absolutely made my day! and my bfs too since I just mentioned this to him. I am almost out of Baileys, well Emmets actually it was a bit cheaper. I was contemplating on buying another bottle which is still $16, but now I can make my own thanks to you! BTW, how long do you think this would last in the fridge?
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Stephanie
March 10, 2011 at 3:28 pm (14 years ago)

Jess – should last up to one month covered in the fridge. Enjoy!
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Sandra
March 11, 2011 at 4:28 pm (14 years ago)

I am loving your recipes. Can’t wait for the cupcakes!
Sandra recently posted Sugar High Bakery Tres Leche Cupcake
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Lindsey at Burn Me Not
March 11, 2011 at 7:02 pm (14 years ago)

I am literally an hour late reading this post… I just bought a bottle of Bailey’s! I’m definitely holding onto to this recipe for the future. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsey at Burn Me Not recently posted Banana Whoopie Pies
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Keith
March 12, 2011 at 4:00 pm (14 years ago)

This recipe sounds fantastic! I just ran out of Bailey’s, and I think this is going to be my replacement.
If it’s alright with you, I’m going to cover this recipe (and my attempts at making it) on my cocktail blog. Thanks again for sharing this recipe!
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hannah
March 16, 2011 at 7:39 am (14 years ago)

oh man, i really could use that right now.
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Bracelets homme
June 7, 2011 at 2:33 pm (14 years ago)

Thanks for sharing this recipe !
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Shawna Wilkinson
December 19, 2011 at 5:28 pm (13 years ago)

Absolutely love it! I made some for our home as well as many for gifts. Thank you for sharing!
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Codi Carpenter
January 22, 2012 at 7:47 pm (13 years ago)

Is there a way to make this non-alcoholic?
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- Stephanie
  January 23, 2012 at 2:24 pm (13 years ago)
  
  @Codi – I’ve never tried it, but I think you could just omit the whiskey. Here is a recipe I found through a quick Google search: http://www.chefsline.com/blog/quick-tips/non-alcoholic-irish-cream/ Let me know how it turns out!
Justin
February 21, 2012 at 6:35 am (13 years ago)

This is great! A friend used your recipe for both the syrup and the irish cream and they came out fantastic! It was so good I’m going to give them a go…thanks 🙂
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Perry
February 24, 2012 at 8:42 am (13 years ago)

Is this a little thicker than Bailey’s Irish Cream
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- Stephanie
  February 24, 2012 at 8:44 am (13 years ago)
  
  @Perry – yes, it’s thicker than Bailey’s.
Jody
May 2, 2012 at 9:39 pm (13 years ago)

And now I know what I’m making for my mom for Mother’s day! She loves Baileys, but rarely buys it. Just need to find a nice bottle for it now…. 😀
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richard
November 18, 2012 at 6:11 am (12 years ago)

Hi Stephanie,
The recipe calls for heavy cream. Do you use wipping cream or do you use the cream with less fat
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  November 18, 2012 at 9:15 am (12 years ago)
  
  Richard, I think either heavy cream or whipping cream would work just fine.
Angela
November 19, 2012 at 11:11 am (12 years ago)

Question, does the “T” stand for tablespoon or teaspoon? Also, how large of a jar (how many ounces) should I buy to put this in? I’d love to make a few of these to hand out as Christmas presents!! 🙂
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  November 22, 2012 at 1:07 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Angela, uppercase “T” = tablespoon, lowercase “t” = teaspoon. It makes a little over 30 ounces. Enjoy!
Czyzler
November 21, 2012 at 4:03 pm (12 years ago)

I really enjoyed your homeade chocolate syrup recipe. I used it today. I make our Irish Cream very similar, but add a little kick to it. This is the recipe that floats around my family. Give it a shot.

2 C heavy cream
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 C Irish whiskey (Jameson)
1/2 C Everclear
2 T chocolate syrup
2 tbs instant coffee
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  November 22, 2012 at 1:19 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Czyzler, that sounds like it has a nice kick to it! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Amy
November 29, 2012 at 3:18 pm (12 years ago)

Can I substitute the whiskey with anything to still get the taste?
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Bailey
December 2, 2012 at 10:35 pm (12 years ago)

Hello! I was wondering where you got the glass bottles for the Bailey’s? I can’t seem to find those exact ones anywhere and now I’m just obsessing.
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Ashley
December 4, 2012 at 9:43 am (12 years ago)

Omg me too! Where are these jars? jugs? bottles? What would you call them? I NEED them for Christmas and I can’t find them anywhere!
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  December 4, 2012 at 2:53 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Bailey & Ashley, unfortunately I bought the bottle at a local grocery store and I haven’t found anything similar online. I’ve used bottles like this one for other homemade liqueurs.
Ashley
December 4, 2012 at 3:40 pm (12 years ago)

Hi!
I found them!!!
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/clear-glass-cruet-with-handle-and-cork-731372/
About $10/bottle.
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  December 4, 2012 at 3:48 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Ashley, that’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing the link with us! 🙂
Susan
August 8, 2013 at 6:30 am (11 years ago)

We will try this for sure, sounds great!!
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Timothy Perkins
November 11, 2014 at 10:06 pm (10 years ago)

Your recipes make me fat just from reading the ingredients, looks like I’m making this as the weekend 🙂
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Christina
July 22, 2015 at 8:26 am (9 years ago)

This is probably stupid question from a (up till now) tea totaller . Do you add something to it or do you drink it straight? Help!!!
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- Stephanie Saunders
  July 22, 2015 at 9:24 am (9 years ago)
  
  You can drink it straight, add it to coffee, or make cocktails with it. Whatever you prefer!
Kathy
December 28, 2015 at 1:44 pm (9 years ago)

I have a friend who uses dark rum instead of Irish Whiskey. Have you ever tried that?
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